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I believe the greatest council upon this curiosity is that of our father Abraham- Luke 16:27-31 27 "Then he said, 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, 28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.' 29 Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' 30 And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' 31 But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.'" NKJV The simplicity of this exceeds the greatest of minds for we were born in the system of learning through the corporeal... yet to get to God we are to go through Scripture by drinking in the jot and tittle and eating the bread of His presence bringing about faith which precedes the corporeal and exceeds the cosmos of now unto a new beginning... Rev 22 Think of the miracle that we truly set within - that of time- our existence is of the immediate which quickly passes out of our control into the histories and that which is coming unto us is but an instant in coming... the greater the focus upon the moment of presence of present between that which is past to that which is not yet come somehow we stand accountable and that is life in this shadow of light 1 Cor 13:12 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. KJV Imagine the focus of the second that last for an eternity... Love Steven

very good answer. i notice in this thread most people are thinking of traditional gambling, like cards and dice. me, i was thinking that there are other forms of gambling.... for instance, people who make their money playing games of skill, like pool. in every pool hall across america you can find some high stakes games going on with money riding on the outcome. no cheating. and not really "work" either. but your example of investing is far better of an example than billiards or other games where gambling takes place. and i agree with your last sentence too... you do have to take risks to be a god steward. and, i'm one of those who doesn't believe that gambling, in and of itself, is a sin. kinda makes me in the minority around here. still though, i'm not sure i'd feel comfortable saying that it's not a sin to make a living with some gamble or other. i guess that's why i'm not God, i'll leave that between the individual and Him!

If you are speaking of internal influences and struggles, follow this verse ... James 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. If you are speaking of external struggles, we may never be rid of them. They are how we grow in Him for through Christ, we find victory.

2 Corinthians 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. John 11:43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. Did Lazarus die, see heaven then come back to talk about it in depth? I'm a bit confused by the scriptures above. Is it possible for people to die, see heaven or hell, and then return to tell their stories? I've always been very skeptical about this kind of stuff. To be quite honest, I don't really believe it. Maybe you can change my mind or point me to further scripture? I won't say it's not possible because anything is possible with God. What are your thoughts on this subject? Blessings. If It Points To Christ And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 It Is Good When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. John 11:4 Yes? Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17 So If The Folks Involved Are Giving All Glory To God Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 1 Corinthians 12:3 Celebrate The LORD Jesus Christ Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Psalms 103:1 Hallelujah~! And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 ____________ _________ ______ ___ Be Blessed Beloved Of The KING The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Numbers 6:24-26 Be Very Blessed And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them. Numbers 6:27 Love, Your Brother Joe

You should always measure the testimony of those who say they've been there, against the Word. How does what they're saying line up with what's been said? Do you're research, take nothing at face value.